Intel Cans Havendale Processor in Favour Clarkdale.

Intel Corp. has reportedly cancelled development of its first central processing unit in the recent history with integrated graphics core code-named Havendale. The company decided to concentrate on development of a more advanced Clarkdale chip that will be made using 32nm fabrication process and will be more power efficient. However, reliance on a new manufacturing process poses higher risks.

Intel’s Havendale processor is a multi-chip module (MCM) in LGA1160 form-factor containing Nehalem micro-architecture-based dual-core CPU in addition to graphics and memory controller hub (GMCH) that features dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, 4MB cache, PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface to connect add-on graphics cards as well as integrated graphics core. It is projected that both chips on the MCM are made using 45nm process technology. The Clarkdale chip utilizes code-named Westmere CPU core that is made using 32nm process technology and consumes less power as well as graphics core produced using 45nm process tech.

According to VR-Zone web-site, the Clarkdale processor will be released in Q1 2010, just several months later than the Havendale chip was supposed to be launched. This means that Intel hopes that its 32nm second-generation high-k process technology will be mature enough to make mainstream chips using it.

Since Clarkdale CPU line has memory controller as well as PCI Express interconnection inside, there will be no need for GMCH (or North Bridge) on the mainboard. Instead, the new processors will connect directly to code-named Ibexpeak platform controller hub (PCH) that will carry hard drive controller, wired and wireless network controllers, monitor physical interfaces, PCI controller and other input/output as well as platform-related capabilities.